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Heads of religious confessions in Azerbaijan condemn ban imposed on construction of minaret in Switzerland â€“ POLL

Heads of religious confessions in Azerbaijan condemn ban imposed on construction of minaret in Switzerland â€“ <font color=red> POLL </font>

03 December 2009 13:57 (UTC +04:00)

Spokesman for Baku and Caspian Eparchy Father Konstantin told APA that those who speak about democracy most of all and try to make others accept it do not have democracy themselves.
â€œFor example, the United States. Broad conditions have been created for some religious sects here, while the activity of some others is banned. Or for example, the Hindus living in reservation. The situation is the same in Europe, they shout about democracy, but the societies there are least democratic. They decided to ban minarets and imposed the ban. Of course, referendum was held, but poor Muslims remained in minority. We condemn this decision, this decision violates the rights of Muslims and representatives of other confessions. Moscow Patriarchate has already expressed position on this decision. People can not perform their religious rituals in Switzerland, the heart of Europe, this is the violation of believersâ€™ rights,â€ he said.

Father Konstantin said the activity of the Orthodox Church is not banned in Azerbaijan,
â€œWe freely perform our religious rituals, pray and visit our graves. When we want to hold an event in the center of Baku, the city administration always gives us permission. For example, on June 24, we held an event in connection with Apostle Bartholomew. There is no obstacle for our activity, there is no restriction to ring the bell, to pray or crusade. When we want to perform a ritual or crusade in the center of the city, the mayorâ€™s office gives permission. All our churches ring bells at 9 in the morning and 5 in the evening. On Easter and Christmas churches ring bells without any bans or restrictions at night,â€ he said.

Head of the Community of European Jews living in Azerbaijan Gennadi Zelmanovich also took a stance on the problem.
â€œThey say European countries are tolerant, but the construction of mosques, synagogues and catholic churches is restricted.

It is strange to me that Switzerland and its citizens made such decision. I have negative opinion about thatâ€. The community leader said his community didnâ€™t face with any problem in Azerbaijan. â€œ7 years ago we built new synagogue and its activity was never restricted. Azerbaijan is one of the worldâ€™s tolerant countries and it is showed as an example in many international eventsâ€.

Leader of the Mountainous Jews in Azerbaijan Semyon Ikhiilov told APA that there are very few Muslims in Switzerland: â€œSwitzerland is a European country, if there are only four minarets it means there are few supporters of Islam. It is necessary to protect those minarets. It is impossible to destroy religious monuments not depending on what religion it belongs to. This is infidelity. Minarets create only beauty, nothing elseâ€.

Ikhiilov emphasized that Azerbaijan is a tolerant country. â€œEverything is respected in this country. Minarets, azan, churches and synagogues donâ€™t create obstacles for anyone. Any prayer should be respected because it is communication between the prayer and Allahâ€. Ikhiilov said Community of the Mountainous Jews freely operated in Azerbaijan. â€œThere is nothing restricted our actions. No one create obstacle for us. These are historic traditions and couldnâ€™t change anything.

Leader of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan Vladimir Fekele said Switzerland holds frequent referendums. â€œAuthorities of this country learn the public opinion for 4-5 times a year. Vatican also was surprised with the referendum on minarets and valued it as restriction of freedom of faith. Such referendum doesnâ€™t contribute to the development of inter-religions or inter-governmental relations.

Vladimir Fekele said he was working in Baku for a month almost. â€œI met with the chairman of the Caucasian Muslims Office Sheikh-al-Islam Haji Allahshukur Pashazadeh, bishop of the Baku and Caspian eparchy Alexander. I understood from these meetings that inter-religions relations are in a high level. I donâ€™t hear that Catholics have a problem. A new catholic church was built in Baku. The churchâ€˜s bells sound once a day and three time on Sundaysâ€.